Norway Strengthens Commitment to Immunisation in Developing Countries

Børge Brende, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, today signed an agreement that will see Norway commit NOK 6.25 billion (US$ 850 million) to support the immunisation of children living in the world’s poorest countries between 2016 and 2020.

This renewed commitment – first announced by Prime Minister Erna Solberg in January 2015 at the Gavi replenishment conference in Berlin – represents a 50% increase in the country’s direct support for Gavi in the 2011-2015 period, underlining Norway’s strong commitment to childhood immunisation. The funds will help Gavi support developing countries to immunise more than 300 million children by 2020, helping save five to six million lives.

“Norway is honoured to be among the founders of Gavi,” stated Minister Brende. “It has been a remarkable journey, and we want Gavi to keep building on its impressive achievements. Full funding is a prerequisite for Gavi reaching its ambitious goals. Norway answers to this call by significantly increasing its contribution through the agreement I just signed. Global health security, with healthy, immunised girls and boys in all countries obtaining good education, is at the top of our development agenda.”

“We are very grateful to Norway for not only renewing but increasing its generous commitment to Gavi,” said Dr Seth Berkley, Gavi CEO. “Norway has demonstrated its strong support for childhood immunisation through its significant financial and political commitments and by proactively engaging with Gavi through its Board. This shows how important immunisation is to Norway and how the country values giving all children the opportunity to grow into healthy adults, no matter where they live.”